I have an acre to plant things on, but I still use containers for some things and in some places outside. That is because there are some aspects of planting in containers that are either useful or otherwise appealing. However, there are specific challenges when growing things in containers. Here is a list of […]
Tips for Direct Planting Dahlias in Southwest Idaho
Dahlias are tender perennials, meaning they will only survive mild winters, specifically for them in zones 9 – 11. How easy it is to grow them as annuals in other climates depends on the combination of length of season, heat, and humidity. Southwest Idaho definitely has the heat aspect of the trio, but is lacking somewhat […]
Seed Starting Basics for the Home Gardener
I put together a youtube video to give you a visual and audio explanation of seed starting basics. Below it, I will outline supplies and procedure for reference. Soil A good quality potting soil is recommended. It doesn’t have to be specifically for seed starting, just not too chunky. Anything that I have purchased in […]
Real Facts About Native Plants
This article about native plants versus exotic ones reminded me about the ongoing discussion of what is best to plant in any environment. Are “native” plants best or most environmentally responsible? What qualifies as a “native” plant? It encompasses the idea of plant diversity and even challenges the idea of what it means to “garden.” […]
Why Thinking about Your Idaho Garden in January Matters
A little planning goes a long way to making your gardening more enjoyable and productive. Obviously, we all want our garden to be enjoyable, but thinking about productivity can cause stress. After all, last year’s garden may still be hanging there limp and dead, reminding us of what didn’t get done, what got eaten by […]